The Urban Youth Academy beat Bayamon Puerto Rico 3-1 in the championship game, and it went undefeated in the eight-team tournament.

Velasquez started on the mound of the championship game, giving up one un-earned run in five innings. He took a no-hitter into the fifth inning, but he didn't factor in the decision as he was lifted with the scored tied at 1-1.

Crank pitched in the semifinal game to get the Urban Youth Academy to the championship game.

The team also competed in the Junior Olympics in Arizona and finished 28th out of 85 teams.

Last year, Urban Youh Academy finished second in the Palomino World Series and therefore received an automatic bid into the tournament. Velasquez and former Oak Hills baseball player Christian Fillingame participated on that team.

The Palomino League is a PONY Baseball division, and it's for players aged 17-19.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.